The Cat Behavior Answer Book - Arden Moore [49]
During the first few days of her arrival, place her in the litter box when she first wakes up, after she eats, after a play session, and after she wakes from a catnap.
After placing her in the litter box, quietly step back and leave her be. Unlike puppies who love to hear their owner sing out “Good potty!” in a happy voice, most felines prefer privacy and don’t wish for you to bring out the band or applaud when they accomplish their mission. Be more subdued with your kitten.
Be sure to scoop out the deposits daily to keep the litter box clean.
Please practice the Two P’s of Potty Training: Patience and Punishment-Free. It may take your youngster just a few trips to the litter box to get the hang of things or it may take a few weeks. Resist the temptation to scold or yell or squirt her with a water bottle, because the punishment approach usually backfires. Your kitten may become so frightened that she starts to avoid the litter box and hunts for less scary places like under your bed or in your closet.
If you notice any signs of diarrhea or if you see your kitten straining or hear her crying when using the litter box, please take her to your veterinarian to be examined for a possible medical problem such as a urinary tract infection or intestinal parasites. Good luck!
SECRETS TO SUCCESS
Develop the habit of scooping out the urine and feces from the litter box daily. Every two weeks, remove the litter entirely and clean the box with mild dishwashing soap and warm water. If possible, allow the box to air-dry in the sun to kill germs. If you do use bleach to disinfect the box, use a very weak solution and rinse thoroughly before drying. The strong odor of bleach can be a turnoff to your cat.
I recommend that you have a spare litter box to fill with fresh litter while the other box is drying. If you have multiple boxes, clean one at time so your cats can always find a spot to go.
Litany of Litter
Q Help! I am confused by all the types of litter available at the store. Litter can be made of clay, crumbled corn, and even recycled newspapers. There are regular types, clumping types, and some that are flushable. Some litter is scented and some is not. And it can be pricey. What’s the best kind to buy?
A You’re right. Litter is not cheap, and it is not lightweight. Sharing a home with three cats tugs on my wallet and taxes my forearm muscles each time I lug home another big bag of the stuff.
Litter has evolved in the same commercial manner as coffee. Remember the days when your choices in coffee were either black or with cream and sugar? Now, instead of ordering a plain cup of Joe, we need to know words like mocha, latte, and espresso.
Litter first hit store shelves more than 50 years ago. Credit a clever young guy named Edward Lowe who worked in his dad’s industrial absorbent company. One day, a friend complained to him about the smell and the mess of using dirt and ash in a box for her cat. Lowe suggested she sprinkle some of the company’s absorbent material in the box to quell the hold-your-nose odor. Voilà! The birth of litter.
Today, a litany of litter is available. Most brands claim to control odors, but that is arguable. Clay ranks as the most popular choice because it forms clumps that are easy to scoop. However, clay dust can cause respiratory issues in people and cats.
Environmentally minded companies have created litter made of pine and grain that absorbs well and is biodegradable. Grain contains a natural enzyme that tones down the powerful ammonia odor in cat urine. A new generation of litter choices include recycled paper, flushable green tea leaves, silica, and silica gel. Some litters come with ingredients such as baking soda, perfumes, or citrus that are touted to oust odors.
To help you narrow your choices, keep in mind that a feline’s nose is at least 100 times more sensitive than a person’s nose. In addition, cats are not big fans of citrus or perfume smells. What your nose may detect as a light, welcoming hint of citrus can overpower a “scent-sitive” cat and might even evoke a litter